First, this tour takes you to "Tower of the Sun museum" built at the time of EXPO 70 and was renewed in 2018 as a permanent facility. The inside is a spectacular art space with "Tree of Life" created by Taro Okamoto. Actually this tree shows the evolution of life from ameba to human being. Strongly recommended to see the this tower as a hidden gem.
Then you will visit highlights of Osaka as Osaka castle and Dotombori. With all visiting these spots, you will be filled with satisfaction.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Your hotel in Osaka
- In the lobby
Explore the inside of the tower and see the "Tree of Life".
See outside and inside of the castle
Enjoy the area of foods and view spots
Your hotel or any requested place
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guiding fee, hotel pick up in central Osaka
your transportation, entrance fee, lunch
* Basically public transportation as subway and local train are used. Taxi can be used upon request.
* The tour includes around 6 Kilometers' walk.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
This tour is not available on all days in August.
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide, I will guide you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto.
1. For the first visitors
I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste.
2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours
I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc.
Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one.
Credentials:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767)
Kyoto City Licensed English Guide (EN00004)
2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture
“3 days Kyoto October 14- October 16”
Rick was our guide for 3 days. We greatly appreciated his knowledge and explanations about historical contexts and his pleasant collaboration. Thank you Best regards Bernhard
“Couldn't have seen and learned so much without him”
On a very hot and humid day, Rick guided us through trains and trams, enabling us to visit multiple locations effortlessly. He took photos for us and was excited to discuss the significance of the historical sites we visited. Rick suggested an excellent restaurant with a beautiful view, and we had an unforgettable meal of Unagi Don. Later, he helped us plan the rest of our day with the oppressive heat in mind and walked us to our destination. I can honestly say visiting Kyoto with Rick was one of the highlights of our trip, and we couldn't have seen and learned so much without him.
Rick I.
(61 reviews)Dear Karen and families, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the tour with using the public transportation. I believe you felt and touched the real Kyoto city and I hope it will be one of your nicest memories in Japan. Best regards, Rick
Leonid S.
Half Day Kyoto highlights tour plus optional Maiko dinner
“Great tour”
Rick gave us a very good and thorough tour of Kyoto. He helped us understand the history and traditions and showed us some of the best and unique aspects of Kyoto. Without him, it would be tough to see as much as we saw in half a day. On top of everything, Rick took us back to the Kyoto station and made sure that we found our locker. He took care of every detail of the tour!
Rick I.
(61 reviews)Dear Leonid, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad you enjoyed some unique and best aspects of Kyoto. I appreciate your coorperation to go through the tour on schedule and it was my pleasure to have helped you to find your locker at the end. I hope Kyoto will be one of your best memories in Japan. Best regards, Rick